Vancouver was my first visit to Canada and I fell in love with it right away. That’s not to say the rest of Canada isn’t fantastic; there are many incredible places to visit in Canada, but Vancouver is definitely near the top of the list. This is why I wanted to share some of the best places to see in Vancouver when you visit, so you can enjoy it as much as I do!
Of course, there are fantastic cities such as Toronto (in Ontario), St. John’s on the Atlantic Coast, and Quebec City. To be honest, Canada has a plethora of beautiful and exciting cities, but Vancouver is truly unique!
But enough of my rambling! Take a little look at some of the best places to see in Vancouver. Have the best time.
1. Stanley Park
Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first official green space, is a massive and stunning spot just north of the downtown area.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Vancouver if you want to spend more time relaxing than exploring the city. The entire coastal route around the park, as well as the inner trails, are stunning.
There are also some fantastic cycling routes, and you can take a Cycle City Tour, as we did. It’s a lot of fun.
2. Granville Island
Granville Island, located just south of the downtown peninsula and beneath the Granville Bridge, is easily one of the best places to visit in Vancouver.
Granville Island is now the site of many of the city’s factories and sawmills. They now house a public market, as well as intimate theatres, indie craft studios, and workshop spaces that are a must-see.
3. Chinese Garden
Visit Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden if you want to see some of the best places to see in Vancouver.
This stunning and almost otherworldly garden is the first of its kind outside of China, allowing Vancouver residents to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
The Chinese Garden, which was built between 1985 and 1986, was inspired by Ming Dynasty scholars’ gardens, with both Chinese and Canadian workers contributing to its creation. It truly is one-of-a-kind.
Guided tours are included in the price of admission, and there are always new exhibits to see. Enjoy a cup of tea before perusing the wonders of the Eight Treasures shop at the end of your visit (Lloyd is a sucker for gift shops).
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located just north of Stanley Park. It’s easily one of the best places to see in Vancouver when you’re heading to North Vancouver, and it’s only about 20 minutes from the city centre.
Trust me when I say that the view from the bridge is spectacular, and even if you’re afraid of heights, it’s worth a shot. The bridge is 460 feet (140 metres) long and 230 feet (70 metres) above the river.
After crossing the suspension bridge a few times, you should definitely visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to immerse yourself in the stunning natural Canadian beauty.
5. English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach, also known as First Beach, is located on the outskirts of downtown. While beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Vancouver, that should not deter you from visiting.
The beach is sure to please anyone hoping to sunbathe, play volleyball, or even spot whales, with the Stanley Park Seawall running along its east side and the beautiful English Bay to the west just keep an eye out for anything unusual.
There are also numerous small cafes, coffee shops, and kayak rentals. Oh, and if you go in the winter, try to make it to the Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day.
6. Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia, is world-renowned for its displays of art and culture, particularly those of Canada’s First Peoples.
Over 16,000 objects are on display in the Multiversity Galleries for visitors to enjoy, and the works of Haida artist Bill Reid can also be found at the museum.
The emphasis here is on the cultures of the Pacific Northwest’s Natives, as visitors can come face to face with traditional Haida houses and Musqueam house posts throughout the museum grounds.
7. Science World
Anyone with even a passing interest in science will have a great time at Vancouver’s Science World. The museum has both permanent science exhibits and some pretty epic exhibits that are great for a family visit.
Many of the exhibits are interactive, and there is also an OMNIMAX Theatre on the premises. Located east of downtown, this is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver for families.
8. The Vancouver Art Gallery
Because Vancouver is surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty, you shouldn’t expect anything less beautiful indoors. The city’s Art Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver, houses over 10,000 works of art, ranging from Canadian and British paintings to photographs by Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Guided tours are always available, but for something more interactive and unique, try to visit during a FUSE event, when DJs and artists perform throughout the galleries from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
9. The Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is the place to go for everything Vancouver, including the past, present, and future.
You can learn everything there is to know about the city here, from ancient times and Musqueam lifestyles to modern-day city life in Vancouver. The museum, which is located in the scenic area of Vanier Park, is easily accessible from downtown and is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver on a rainy day.
10. Grouse Mountain (Bonus)
Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s closest mountain, is only a 30-minute drive away! I remember seeing it for the first time from the city and wondering how to get there for several days! Finally, after hailing a cab, we made our way to the cable car to reach the summit.
This is how amazing Canada is; while back in town, it was t-shirt weather, people were skiing and it was actually snowing on Grouse Mountain.
Isn’t it the best of both worlds?
The Skyride, North America’s largest aerial tramway, is also located on Grouse Mountain and is the most convenient way to get there. The Skyride transports you 3,700 feet (1,128 m) to the Alpine Station, where you can go skiing, snowmobiling, or hiking.
Summary
Vancouver is an amazing city to live in and visit, and exploring it during your vacation will fill your days with amazing food, friendly people, and beautiful natural scenes. Feel free to use this content/Video as you plan the trip of your dreams! Regardless of how much time you have in this amazing city, I am sure you will find time to fully enjoy it! See you next time!
